Inside the Miami Marlins with MLB.com beat writer Joe FrisaroTwitter

Vazquez to face Hurricanes

JUPITER, Fla. — The Marlins are sending veteran Javier Vazquez to the mound to face the University of Miami in their Feb. 27 exhibition game at Roger Dean Stadium.

Manager Edwin Rodriguez said on Monday that Vazquez will throw two innings in the game against the Hurricanes. Also on that day, ace Josh Johnson is expected to throw a simulated game on a back field.

The Marlins open their Grapefruit League schedule on Feb. 28 against the Cardinals. Florida will be the visiting team that day. Anibal Sanchez is scheduled to pitch and throw two innings. Chris Volstad is the probable starter for the March 1 game with the Cardinals, when the Marlins are the home team.

Ricky Nolasco, who is resting a jammed right thumb, is not expected to do any throwing until at least later in the week, or perhaps next week.

Rodriguez said the team could wait until around March 14 for Nolasco to throw off the mound, and still have him ready for the start of the season.

Meta

The following are trademarks or service marks of Major League Baseball entities and may be used only with permission of Major League Baseball Properties, Inc. or the relevant Major League Baseball entity: Major League, Major League Baseball, MLB, the silhouetted batter logo, World Series, National League, American League, Division Series, League Championship Series, All-Star Game, and the names, nicknames, logos, uniform designs, color combinations, and slogans designating the Major League Baseball clubs and entities, and their respective mascots, events and exhibitions.